Trip Planner 2016-17 Trip Planner For Student Travel | Page 19

U.S. Midwest SILVER DOLLAR CITY BRANSON Silver Dollar City Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Branson, Missouri, is a hotbed for live music and theater. It is within a day’s drive of many Midwestern cities, making it easy for student groups to visit and enjoy the range of entertainment and performance options. “With its G-rated entertainment and a great return for the dollar, Branson offers diversified experiences for students—and peace of mind for parents,” said Lenni Neimeyer, director of leisure group sales for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau. “More than 100 shows—featuring entertainment personalities, impersonators, illusionists and comedians—allow performance groups to experience a rich and entertaining destination.” School bands and choirs don’t just watch the show in Branson; they can take the stage as part of a variety of performance opportunities including everything from doing sound checks to serving as pre-show entertainment. Some of the local venues that welcome students are the Showboat Branson Belle, Silver Dollar City, Clay Cooper Theatre, The Haygoods, Dixie Stampede, Legends in Concert and Acrobats of China. In addition to performing, groups can take part in workshops, master classes and behind-the-scenes programs where they meet and learn from local entertainers. Branson also plays host to music festivals throughout the year, including ones that feature competitions for bands, choruses and orchestras. To learn more, contact Lenni Neimeyer of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau at [email protected], or visit explorebranson.com. TOP EDUCATIONAL ATTRACTIONS Titanic, the College of the Ozarks, Dogwood Canyon TOP RECREATIONAL ATTRACTIONS Silver Dollar City, The Track Family Fun Parks, Fritz’s Adventure, Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction TOP LOCAL FESTIVALS Bluegrass & BBQ Festival (May 5–30, 2016, and May 4–May 29, 2017), National Harvest & Cowboy Festival (Sept. 14–Oct. 29) ntaonline.com 17